Raised on the Third Day
The earliest written testimony to the resurrection — Paul's own words that Christ was raised on the third day — from the oldest surviving copy of his letters, reproduced at true scale on genuine Egyptian papyrus, both sides visible in acrylic.
14:34–15:15
(Chester Beatty Papyri)
Univ. of Michigan
The earliest words
on the risen Christ.
This leaf carries into 1 Corinthians 15 — Paul's great chapter on the resurrection. Here he sets down what he calls the message of first importance: that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day. On the reverse he names the witnesses, more than five hundred at once, most of whom remain until now — an appeal to living memory, written while those who saw could still be asked.
It survives on 𝒫46, the oldest substantial copy of Paul's epistles in existence. For anyone who studies the evidence for the resurrection, this is a direct line to its earliest written testimony — a codex copied in Egypt within roughly a century and a half of Paul's own hand, its readings sitting directly behind the modern critical Greek New Testament that translators still work from today.
From the apostle's century to yours
The earliest written testimony to the resurrection
The two sides of the leaf, side by side.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
“…Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
1 Corinthians 15:6
“Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now.”
Made by hand, made to order.
First Corinthians 15 is Paul's extended case for the resurrection of Christ, among the earliest preserved testimony to the risen Lord anywhere. It survives here on 𝒫46, whose text stands behind the critical editions translators still rely on today — NA28 and UBS5. As part of the Chester Beatty Papyri, split between Dublin and the University of Michigan, it is among the most studied manuscripts of the New Testament.
5 out of 5
Good evening Gary, Well yes the manuscript was delivered yesterday on Thursday afternoon. In perfect condition. I`ts a masterpiece. I put it on the top of my bookcase along with other Christian collections. Also thanks so much for enabling me to understand the translation from Koine Greek to the vernacular. It`s quite detailed. Very enjoyable. In the past I did take Koine Greek but the atmosphere was not a conducive place to learn such a complex language. This was Manhattan in New York City. right in the heart of mid town. a lot of congestion. Loud music passing by cars. Plus it was so many years ago. It`s quite difficult to read the leaf since there is only line after line with no spaces. So the included in your email Greek to English makes it that more enjoyable. Gods blessing to Gary and the entire staff. Looking forward I may purchase more manuscripts. Grateful Billy Zarcone
I showed all 4 of the manuscripts to a group of 7 last night at church. Sharing also the importance of textual criticism, scriptural reliability, what verses and chapters there were, and the diligence of the the scribes and how scrupulous they were to be accurate. Having these manuscripts together with a message like that is a game changer.
Common questions
Is the display stand included?
The stand is optional. Choose “Add display stand” (+$20) to have it shown upright as in the photos, or “Replica only” for the framed piece on its own.
Is it really made on papyrus?
Yes — every replica is reproduced on genuine Egyptian papyrus, then set by hand in a front-and-back acrylic display so both sides are visible.
How long does it take to ship?
Each piece is made to order through a multi-week hand-replication process. Your exact timeline is shown at checkout, and we ship to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Can I see the text translated?
Yes — every leaf has a companion reading page with a full interlinear transcription and translation, letter by letter.
Raised on the third day —
on your shelf.
Museum-grade, made to order, and framed to be read from both sides.
